Hockey ref arrested after escorting player off ice

Sunday, March 9, 2014

CROMWELL, Conn. (AP) — A Connecticut youth hockey referee faces a breach-of-peace charge after he ejected a player from a game and personally escorted him off the ice, angering many parents and players.

Police were called to the Champions Skating Center in Cromwell on Saturday by onlookers worried the game for 13- and 14-year-olds was getting out of control.

Police say the 55-year-old referee, Stephen Levins of Rocky Hill, called a match penalty and ejected the boy from the game. They say the referee then went near the team's bench to physically escort the player off the ice.

Authorities say teammates and parents took offense to the physical contact and tried to confront the referee.

Levins also faces a charge of risking injury to a minor. He didn't return a call seeking comment Sunday.